Because a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree signifies that the holder is eligible to sit for the American Physical
Therapy National Examination and signifies that the holder is prepared for entry into the profession of physical
therapy, it follows that graduates must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical,
private, community, or school based situations and to render a wide spectrum of physical therapy services.
Therefore, the following abilities and expectations must be met by all students admitted to the program.
1. Observation
The candidate must be able to observe demonstrations and learn from experiences in
the basic sciences and in the clinical physical therapy laboratory such as accurately read dials on
electrotherapeutic equipment, accurately read numbers on a goniometer; hear heart and breath
sounds; assess normal and abnormal color changes in the skin; and observe pupil changes.
2. Communication
Communication includes not only speech but reading and writing. The
candidate must be able to assimilate information from written sources (texts, journals,
medical/school records, etc.). The candidate must be able to attain, comprehend, retain, and utilize
new information presented in written formats as well as produce appropriate written
documentation. Candidates should be able to speak, to hear and to observe patients in order to elicit
information, describe changes in mood, activity and posture and perceive non-verbal
communications. Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in oral and
written form with all members of the health care team. Response time to emergency/crises
situations, as well as more routine communication must be situationally appropriate.
3. Sensorimotor
Candidates must have gross motor, fine motor and equilibrium functions
reasonably required to carry out assessments (palpation, auscultation, percussion and other
diagnostic maneuvers) and to provide physical therapy intervention. A candidate should be able to
execute motor movements required to provide therapeutic intervention (patient transfers, exercise
and application of electrotherapy) and emergency treatment to patients. Quick reactions are
necessary not only for safety, but for one to respond therapeutically. Such actions require
coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium and functional use of the
senses of touch and vision.
4. Intellectual, Conceptual, Integrative, Quantitative and Problem Solving Skills
Candidates
should have cognitive abilities including measurements, calculation, reasoning, analysis and
synthesis. Problem solving, the critical skill demanded of physical therapists requires all of these
intellectual abilities. In addition, the applicant should be able to comprehend three dimensional
relationships to understand the spatial relationships of structures.
5. Judgment
The candidate will be expected to demonstrate judgment in classroom, laboratory, and
clinical settings which shows an ability to make mature, sensitive and effective decisions in the
following areas: 1) relationships with supervisors, peers and patients/clients, 2) professional
behavior, 3) the effectiveness of intervention and research strategies. He/she must demonstrate an
understanding of the rationale and justification for his/her performance.
6. Behavioral and Social Attributes
Candidates must possess the emotional health required to
utilize their intellectual abilities fully, exercise good judgment, complete all responsibilities
attendant to the physical therapy diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature,
sensitive and effective relationships with patients and their families. Candidates must be able to
tolerate physically taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to
adapt to changing environments, to display flexibility and to learn to function in the face of
uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of many patients/clients. Compassion, integrity,
concern for others, interpersonal communication skills, interest and motivation are all personal
qualities that are assessed during the education process.
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply to the program. Candidates who indicate that they cannot
meet one or more of the expectations listed will be reviewed further by the Admissions Committee and
EO/Disability Specialist, with further applicant and faculty input, to determine what reasonable accommodations
might be possible to facilitate successful completion of the physical therapy curriculum, preparation for the national
examination and entry into the profession.
If you have questions about the process for requesting accommodations, please contact: Carol Wagner,
EO/Disability Specialist, Equal Opportunity Office, University of Kansas Medical Center, at 913-588-7813, TDD
913-588-7963.
KUMC is an EO/AA/Title IX Institution
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The University of Kansas